SunPower Corp., manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems announced that it has partnered with Giulio Barbieri, to design and manufacture the new SunPower® Carport (solar carport).
The official announcement was made on Tuesday in San Jose, California: in the capital of Silicon Valley, where the official agreement between SunPower and Giulio Barbieri S.r.l. was signed.
An agreement “for the design and production of the new SunPower Carport, a solar panel canopy aimed at the Italian residential market.”
A crucial operation for the Ferrara-based company: “For several years, we have dived into the photovoltaic sector with conviction and energy,” explains Barbieri. “Being identified by the global giant as the main point of reference, beating out other leading European companies, is not only a source of pride but also a significant market opportunity.” From awnings to tensile structures, and from tunnels for football stadiums, Barbieri’s company has, as mentioned, entered the renewable energy sector: “We have also designed bus stops that function as ‘charging islands’, which will be sent to Qatar,” smiles the Ferrara entrepreneur, “containers equipped with 12 or 24 panels capable of powering the energy needs of families using solar energy, and other innovative solutions.” However, the agreement with SunPower represents a turning point: the ‘solar station’ can be used in residential parking areas with two or three parking spaces and will also serve as a charging station for electric bikes. “We were probably chosen,” says Barbieri, “because we are the only ones to design and produce canopies that do not require digging and foundations. SunPower will provide high-efficiency and reliable panels, so anyone who wants to install a domestic photovoltaic system but has restrictions for roof installation can use this cutting-edge solution.” Beyond the commercial and promotional aspects of the agreement, the innovation has also revitalized the company: “If we hadn’t ventured into photovoltaics with insight and conviction,” Barbieri confides, “we might have been dramatically affected by the crisis. But it proves that in companies, as in life, you have to be flexible and determined. This is the same thing we now ask of politics, at all levels.”
